Facts About Kidney Disease

Facts About Kidney Disease

What are the kidneys for?

-           produce urine

-           remove wastes & extra fluids from the body

-           control body’s chemical balance

-           help control blood pressure

-           help keep healthy bones

-           help make red blood cells

What are the risks of having kidney disease?

-           Having diabetes mellitus

-           Having high blood pressure/hypertension

-           Family history of kidney disease

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney disease?

-           Swelling of feet, hands and face

-           Unexplained high blood pressure

-           Difficulty in urination

-           Pain in urination

-           Change in color and character of the urine

-           Dizziness & tiredness

-           Low back pain

How can one prevent kidney disease?

-           Visit your doctor regularly

-           Take only medicines prescribed by your doctor

-           Drink lots of water

-           Avoid too much salt in the diet

-           Avoid taking pain medications

Nutritional Recommendations for Persons with Chronic Kidney Failure

FATS

-           Avoid too oily or fatty food

-           Moderate margarine, butter, cream

CARBOHYDRATES

-           Calories from non-protein sources are very important

-           Breads, noodles, rice, concentrated sweets, jellies

PROTEIN

-           Avoid too little or too much protein

-           Animal sources like beef, pork, freshwater fish, eggs, poultry

FLUIDS

-           Damaged kidney cannot handle too much fluids

-           Avoid too much water from overloading

SODIUM

-           Moderate sodium intake

-           Helps control high blood pressure & water retention when taken in moderation

-           Sources include table salt, vetsin, processed foods, canned meats, fish, poultry and vegetables, commercial sauces like patis, bagoong, soy sauce etc

POTASSIUM

-           If there is elevated potassium in the blood, restriction is a must

-           Sources include: dark green vegetables, unrefined cereals, crustaceans, brown sugar,

fruits

PHOSPHOROUS

-           Restriction is needed if elevation is noted

-           Sources include: beans, cheese, poultry products, milk, soya, nuts

VITAMIN/MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION

-           Very individualized

-           Highly recommended due to poor appetite & losses especially during dialysis

Note:   This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

For more information please, call:

HEMODIALYSIS UNIT

Tel. No.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6249

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6444